The goals of this course include the development of individual drawing skills and lines of inquiry, as well as a working knowledge of the histories and contemporary concerns of drawing, and a practical basis for further inquiry into all the visual arts and beyond. Using simple methods and means, the practice of drawing is approached from both traditional and experimental directions. In-class drawing sessions are complemented by independent, outside of class work and assigned readings in art history and theory, as well as literature. Critical thought and research are used, through given texts and viewing experiences.

The course considers the two principal aspects of drawing today—the conceptual, theoretical discourse, and the areas of human experience that drawing has come to be associated with: informality, authenticity, immediacy, history, memory and narrative. A close read is given to ‘draw’ and ‘media,’ including using a range of drawing tools, such as charcoal, graphite pencils, color pencils and ball point pen, and looking at drawing, in terms of mediated space, screen, atmosphere and filter.

This course takes portrait drawing as its constant and through it, we ask what it is to face something, while exploring empathy, collaboration and observation. Contemporary drawing is experienced as an expanded field of practice, as we look closely into daily life, in order to connect outwardly to students’ individual lines of inquiry. We'll look at a diverse range of contemporary artists who use drawing in their practice.